The Virginian

Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2002, this powerful story of the silent stranger who rides into the uncivilized West and defeats the forces of evil embodies one of the most enduring themes in American mythology. Arriving in the Wyoming territory, the cowpuncher from Virginia sets out to win the heart of a schoolteacher and establish order in his new community. Includes an Introduction with biographical and historical background. (August)

Contents

Introduction

To the Reader

Re-dedication and Preface

II. "When You Call Me That, Smile!"

III. Steve Treats

IV. Deep into Cattle Land

V. Enter the Woman

VI. Em'ly

VII. Through Two Snows

VIII. The Sincere Spinster

IX. The Spinster Meets the Unknown

X. Where Fancy Was Bred

XI. "You're Going to Love Me Before We Get Through"

XII. Quality and Equality

XIII. The Game and the Nation -- Act First

XIV. Between the Acts

XV. The Game and the Nation -- Act Second

XVI. The Game and the Nation -- Last Act

XVII. Scipio Moralizes

XVIII. "Would You Be a Parson?"

XIX. Dr. MacBride Begs Pardon

XX. The Judge Ignores Particulars

XXI. In a State of Sin

XXII. "What Is a Rustler?"

XXIII. Various Points

XXIV. A Letter with a Moral

XXV. Progress of the Lost Dog

XXVI. Balaam and Pedro

XXVII. Grandmother Stark

XXVIII. No Dream to Wake From

XXIX. Word to Bennington

XXX. A Stable on the Flat

XXXI. The Cottonwoods

XXXII. Superstition Trail

XXXIII. The Spinster Loses Some Sleep

XXXIV. "To Fit Her Finger"

XXXV. With Malice Aforethought

XXXVI. At Dunbarton

Literary Allusions and Notes

Critical Excerpts

Suggestions for Further Reading